Chapter 383: Plans Within the Hall, A Faraway Battle Decided

"It is exactly as Zhongzhi said!" In the depths of winter, within the city of Dongpingling in Jinan, Qing Province, Yuan Shao, upon receiving the edict changing the reign title sent from Chang'an, inquired briefly and could not help but be overjoyed. Then, as soon as the messenger departed, he looked around at his attendants and sighed repeatedly. "Until the autumn harvest next year, Gongsun Wenqi can be considered powerless!"

"Congratulations, my lord, felicitations, my lord!" Guo Tu was the first to bow and offer his congratulations. "This being so, Qing, Yan, and Ji provinces can all fall under my lord's control, and perhaps we can even seize the initiative to strike first!"

Yuan Shao, a smile on his face, nodded slightly, but then slowly shook his head, his expression turning solemn.

"Gongze's words are correct, but they are unavoidably too optimistic." Xin Ping, Xin Zhongzhi, at his side, could not help but lower his head and chuckle at this, clearly understanding what Yuan Shao was thinking. "Why is the General of the Guards powerless? Is it not because he ate too much and gained too much in the past year? The Guanzhong region has fertile plains stretching a thousand li, the foundation for hegemony, with the central court in his grasp, wielding the great righteousness of the Han house to command the feudal lords. Therefore, as long as he can somewhat pacify the scholars and commoners there and govern smoothly, then after next autumn, when the most critical grain supplies catch up and the people's hearts are fully aligned, that will be the time when this General of the Guards once again swallows three thousand li of territory like a ravenous wolf."

"Correct." Yuan Shao, hand on the saber at his waist, answered with a solemn expression. "Zhongzhi's words have once again touched upon the crucial point. The reason Gongsun Wenqi is currently weak is not because he is incapable, but because he previously gained too much. If the central authority did not still hold power, why would he need to change the reign title to set the record straight? If the territory he gained—the Three Adjuncts, Hedong, and the commanderies of Bing Province—were not so vast, why would he need to survey the land to clarify his rule? If he had not gained countless scholars and commoners from Henan, why would he need to prohibit alcohol due to grain shortages? Just now, when we spoke in detail with that messenger, we learned many specifics. In my view, when Gongsun Wenqi drove out Yang Wenxian and his faction by the Wei River, there was one statement far superior to those made before the Weiyang Palace... That is: 'The realm is in chaos; we must seize every moment!'"

The assembled men in the hall, from Feng Ji and Xin Ping down to Guo Tu, all solemnly composed their expressions, bowed their heads, and voiced their agreement.

However, after straightening up, Feng Ji then asked about another matter: "My illustrious lord, Gongsun Wenqi's denunciation of the late Emperor Ling in the Weiyang Palace was undeniably earth-shattering. Should we do the opposite and submit a memorial to Chang'an arguing against his actions, as a form of defiance?"

"No need." Yuan Shao could not help but sneer at this. "I will not hide it from you, Yuantu; I too have long disapproved of Emperor Ling. Moreover, I can probably understand a few things about Gongsun Wenqi's move... On this matter alone, he and I can actually be considered comrades."

Feng Ji and the others in the hall, being so intelligent, understood almost instantly.

It must be said, in the complex series of political events that occurred after Emperor Ling's death up to the present, from Yuan Shao's political standpoint, the only political banner for him and his family within the entire Han house was the young emperor Liu Bian. Now that Liu Bian was dead, and the Yuan clan's power in the central government had been physically wiped out completely, the reigning young emperor installed by Dong Zhuo was, for Yuan Shao, merely an exceptionally awkward entity... To acknowledge him would be to slap his own face and set a trap for himself; to not acknowledge him, yet this was the sole remaining descendant of the late Emperor Ling, seemingly making him the legitimate heir.

In other words, Gongsun Xun's direct broadside against the young emperor's father, Emperor Ling, was actually very helpful for Yuan Shao in establishing his own political authority east of the Passes.

Or, to put it more bluntly, on the matter of suppressing the authority of the Han house, the General of the Guards, who held the Son of Heaven, and the self-proclaimed General of Chariots and Cavalry east of the Passes actually had completely aligned interests... Because for these two great powers who rapidly rose to prominence during the Chuping era, the authority of the Han house was not a necessity. Even Gongsun Xun's campaign against Dong Zhuo was merely to ensure that this authority, which could threaten him, was not held by another.

"However..." After the discussion on this matter passed, Xin Ping continued, smiling with his hands clasped. "Although the General of the Guards captured Guanzhong, greatly increasing his fame and power, so much so that he is faintly reputed as the strongest in the land, he has also revealed an enormous flaw."

"Brother Zhongzhi speaks the absolute truth," Guo Tu immediately chimed in.

"Speak!" Yuan Shao also grew increasingly serious.

"This matter is simple. Please, my illustrious lord, consider whether the foundation upon which the General of the Guards relies has not split into two parts?" Xin Ping stroked his beard and spoke clearly. "One part, with Changping at its head, is rooted in the civilian agricultural colonies of the three commanderies of Yuyang, and holds the seven commanderies of You Province within the passes, connected as one with Zhongshan and Changshan... This region is the foundation he has managed for several years. Although the land is barren, it is the source of the elite You Province troops he relies upon, and it is vast in territory with the people's hearts pledged to him."

"Correct." Yuan Shao slowly nodded. "And the other part is naturally the Three Adjuncts and Hedong region—rich in land and populous, with the added advantage of terrain... So, the meaning of Zhongzhi and Gongze is, could it be that the three commanderies of Bing Province linking these two areas are actually Gongsun Wenqi's weak point?"

"I also think so," Feng Ji interjected from the side. "Just as when a man clenches both fists, his chest is left open. And now, the territory controlled by the General of the Guards stretches continuously from Liaoxi all the way to the Three Adjuncts, like a long, two-headed snake winding without break... To break this formation, the key is to sever its waist. Therefore, the three commanderies of Bing Province are indeed the vital point."

"That may be so," Yuan Shao could not help but sigh. "But how can the three commanderies of Bing Province be easily taken? I have seen the strategic peril of the Taihang Mountains with my own eyes, and although I have not personally witnessed the majesty of Jinyang City, I have long heard of its great fame..."

"Does my illustrious lord still intend to strike Jinyang before next year's autumn harvest?" Xin Ping could not help but laugh at this. "The grand strategy must be planned step by step to achieve complete success... In my subordinate's view, to break the General of the Guards' power from an overall perspective, one must indeed sever Bing Province; and to sever Bing Province, one must first control the Taihang Mountains; to control the Taihang Mountains, one must fully seize Ji Province; to seize Ji Province, one must first attack Handan; to attack Handan, one must first use Yecheng as a base!"

"And to use Yecheng as a base, must we not first take Qing Province, and then defeat Gongsun Bogui?" Just at that moment, a voice from outside the hall interjected from afar, interrupting Xin Zhongzhi's explanation. "The grand strategy must be planned step by step to achieve complete success."

Xin Ping, upon hearing this, immediately retracted his smile and said no more, while Guo Tu simply turned his face away.

"Ziyuan is right!" Yuan Shao paid no mind to the voice suddenly coming from outside the hall. He merely rose slightly, hand on his saber, took a few steps forward, and then sighed. "Matters must be undertaken according to one's strength... Without taking Qing Province, how can we defeat Gongsun Zan? Without defeating Gongsun Zan, how can we force Han Fu into submission? Without forcing Han Fu into submission, how can we confront Gongsun Xun directly?"

"I believe that before next year's autumn harvest, even at our fastest, we can only break through to Handan," Feng Ji also analyzed sincerely. "But Handan will not be so easily broken, because at that stage, it will be a formal, full-scale war between the two sides... When two great powers clash, pulling one hair affects the whole body. At that time, the battlefront will likely stretch for a thousand li, with continuous fighting."

"That is the principle," the voice from outside spoke again, but this time it had already arrived close by. Then, a scholar wearing a tall hat and brocade robes under a luxurious white fur coat strode in boldly, hand on his long sword—it was none other than Xu You, Xu Ziyuan. "However, if we can seize Handan before Gongsun Wenqi recovers his strength, it can be called winning the first round. Because the importance of Handan and Yecheng represents the balance of power in Ji Province, and the importance of Ji Province represents the balance of power north of the Yellow River... As for matters further ahead, there is no need to think too much about them."

Yuan Shao nodded again, committing the name 'Handan' to his heart, and then turned to ask Xu You: "Ziyuan, did you not go to Yuling to take control? Why have you returned in such haste?"

"Benchu," Xu You shook his head helplessly. "I received military intelligence from Beihai while at Yuling and came back specifically to see you."

"Has the Beihai campaign encountered a reversal?" Yuan Shao, seeing the other's expression, was momentarily stunned. "A few remnant Yellow Turban rebels, used merely to frighten that bookworm Kong Wenju—surely nothing could have gone wrong?"

"The campaign proceeds smoothly, and Kong Wenju has been frightened into writing a letter," Xu You sighed even more deeply. "It can be said the overall situation in Qing Province is settled..."

"Then..."

"Bao Yuncheng has died in battle," Xu You finally stated the reason. As soon as these words were spoken, Yuan Benchu and his trusted confidants in the hall were instantly stunned.

It must be said, Yuan Shao truly had no intention of killing Bao Xin.

In fact, according to the results of the discussions and plans made by this General of Chariots and Cavalry Yuan and his core advisors, of the two remaining feudal lords in Yan Province, Liu Dai and Bao Xin, the priority should have been to eliminate Liu Dai and then preserve Bao Xin.

This was because Liu Dai was the Inspector of Yan Province, naturally wielding political influence over the entire province, thus posing a threat to Yuan Shao. Moreover, Liu Dai was a man of little ability and had lost popular support after the Qiao Mao incident, making him easy to deal with. As for Bao Xin, this man was both capable and daring in battle, and as a mere Chancellor of Jibei, he could not stir up much trouble. Most importantly, if one counted the planned elimination of Liu Dai, plus the Zhang brothers who had already been effectively placed under house arrest, and the deceased Qiao Mao, Yuan Shao's methods for subduing Yan and Qing provinces would appear far too crude, which would cost him popular support.

Therefore, according to the original strategy, Yuan Shao had no designs whatsoever on Bao Xin, nor on Kong Rong of Beihai, nor on the other state chancellors and grand administrators of Qing Province.

Yet now, Xu You had come to suddenly inform Yuan Shao and the others that Bao Xin was dead, instead of Liu Dai, who was supposed to die. This was shocking, and how could it not also cause some worry?

"How did he die?" After staring blankly for a long while, Yuan Shao finally spoke helplessly to inquire.

"He was struck by a stray arrow just as the overall situation was about to be decided," Xu You said, spreading his hands helplessly. "Actually, according to the original arrangement, it should have been Liu Dai who was struck by a stray arrow while pursuing the remnant troops, but unexpectedly, Bao Xin perished first."

"What are the reactions from the various frontline positions?" Yuan Shao stared blankly for another moment before continuing his inquiry.

"That scoundrel Liu Dai has already been so frightened he dares not leave his main tent. As for Kong Wenju, the reason his letter came in such haste is reportedly also because he was somewhat terrified upon hearing the news of Bao Yuncheng's death," Xu You said with a bitter smile, stroking his beard. "The most troublesome matter is Zang Hong over in Le'an. He has once again sent a letter, not only requesting the release of Zhang Miao and Zhang Chao, but also advising you, Benchu, in the letter to send an envoy to Chang'an to pay respects to the Son of Heaven, and to provide an explanation for the earlier Qiao Mao incident."

"Zang Hong is merely a young man with a bit of hot blood in his head, who still believes the Han house holds promise," Xin Ping shook his head and said. "Or perhaps, after presiding over the oath-taking at Suanzao, he has become somewhat self-important. In any case, he is not worth worrying about. As for Liu Dai, however..."

"Indeed," Feng Ji also quickly offered his counsel. "Since Bao Xin is dead, dwelling on it is useless. We can only say that the innocent will prove themselves. But after this incident, should the matter of Liu Dai be postponed? Or should we simply let him off?"

Yuan Shao did not answer directly. Instead, he turned on the spot and looked around at the circle of his trusted confidants in the hall, his desire to hear their opinions all too obvious.

"I believe we should let Liu Gongshan off and properly reassure Kong Wenju," Xu Ziyuan stepped forward without hesitation and spoke directly. "This is precisely the meaning of my hasty return. Benchu, you must consider popular sentiment, lest haste make waste."

"I believe it can be postponed, but it is not necessary to let him off," Feng Ji, after a moment's thought, also quickly offered his suggestion. "The post of Inspector of Yan Province is far too critical. Unless he is willing to voluntarily resign and return to his hometown, he cannot be easily let off. Only, the sudden death of the Chancellor of Jibei has stirred people's hearts, and we must guard against the consequences."

Yuan Shao then looked towards Xin Ping.

"I believe that those who achieve great things do not fret over minor details," Xin Ping said, stroking his beard and pondering for a moment before responding sternly. "Just moments ago, we were saying that the General of the Guards has taken the lead, and we must seize every moment. How can we now ruin the grand strategy for the sake of a little reputation? Not only that, since the Chancellor of Jibei is dead, we should swiftly absorb his troops... My illustrious lord, his subordinate Yu Jin and his Mount Tai troops are a recognized elite force; they must not fall into another's hands!"

Yuan Shao slowly nodded.

Seeing this, Guo Tu also hurriedly cupped his hands and declared his stance: "My lord, I also believe we should not disrupt our own plans over this matter. On the contrary, since things have come to this, we should instead deal with Liu Dai swiftly. As for Kong Rong, we might as well send him directly to Chang'an, letting him be a nominal high official under the General of the Guards, just to get him out of sight. In truth, with my lord's prestige and divine might, even if you dealt with them all, how would anyone dare to object?"

Yuan Shao was about to speak when Xu You, on the other side, flew into a rage: "You Yingchuan men, do not think I am unaware of the calculations in your hearts! Is it not simply that you want Benchu to act swiftly in all matters, to quickly seize Ji Province, so that your families and clansmen in Yecheng can carve up land, estates, and official posts? I only ask you: if you offer advice out of selfish motives and chaos ensues, ruining the grand strategy, can you bear the responsibility?"

Xin Ping, being somewhat older, remained silent at this.

Guo Tu, Guo Gongze, however, glared back angrily at these words: "Even if there is such a consideration, so what? Have we ever let private interests harm public duty? It is you, Xu Ziyuan, who, because your family followed our lord from the very beginning and settled early in Yan and Qing provinces, acts without any scruples... Do not think I do not know that the reason you rushed back so hastily to persuade our lord to delay is very likely because you have accepted bribes from Liu Dai and Kong Rong, and are now working against us, speaking on behalf of outsiders!"

Xu You sneered continuously and was about to continue his rebuke.

However, at that very moment, Yuan Benchu suddenly drew his saber halfway out, then forcefully slammed it back into its scabbard. The sound of metal and the flash of cold, white steel immediately silenced the hall, and the temperature seemed to drop several degrees.

In the dead silence, Yuan Shao, his face stern, sat back down in the main seat in the hall. Then, glancing left and right, he spoke words that were surprising and unsettling.

"Ziyuan," Yuan Shao fixed his gaze on Xu You and spoke with a solemn expression. "I am actually fully aware of the selfish motives of Zhongzhi and Gongze... Is it not simply that Han Fu cannot satisfy them, so they are eager for me to replace him?"

Xin Ping and Guo Tu could not help but change color slightly and then bowed to beg forgiveness.

"You two need not beg forgiveness. And I will also tell you," Yuan Shao then looked back at Xin and Guo. "That Ziyuan's family has been extensively acquiring properties in Dong Commandery, and that he has accepted quite a few bribes while taking control and supervising the troops in Qing Province—I am also perfectly clear about this... It is not your place to attack him for it."

Xu You, for a moment, stroked his beard and chuckled scornfully.

"Not only that, there are also signs of arrogance among the generals and officers in the army, and I still turn a blind eye... Why do I tolerate you all?" Yuan Benchu looked around and continued sternly. "Is it not because Gongsun Xun is ahead, and I wish to catch up, so I want to ask all of you—men of wisdom and strategy, men of courage and ferocity—to sincerely assist me? And gentlemen, there is one thing I have never made clear to you. Have you ever considered why sweeping through Qing and Yan, and even snatching the five eastern commanderies of Ji Province from the tiger's mouth, has been so easy... Have you ever thought that the decisive battle for Ji Province was, in fact, an open invitation to war, even a trap, set by Gongsun Wenqi?"

At this, even Feng Ji could no longer remain composed.

"Yuantu need not doubt it." Yuan Benchu sneered. "Setting other matters aside, I could understand why he ignored Han Fu before — he wanted to take Bingzhou and punish Dong Zhuo. But now Gongsun Zan is his clan brother, and his power is far weaker than his own. Why does he not intervene even slightly, instead allowing the man to act recklessly, so that he hastily falls for my ploy of driving the tiger to devour the wolf, steps into Qingzhou, and exposes his own weakness? To put it plainly, is it not that he, Gongsun Xun, wishes to draw me into the game, wants me to fight him to the death in Hebei, where he is more familiar and enjoys greater popular support, and therefore disregards the bond of brotherhood and lets Gongsun Bogui go this far?!"

"Surely it cannot be to that extent?" Xin Ping was growing uneasy as well.

"Cannot be to that extent?" Yuan Shao laughed coldly without cease. "A grand scheme like this — no matter how clever you people are, perhaps you cannot see through it or even dare to believe it. I alone, Yuan Shao, have long been certain in my heart, and have openly and grandly come to answer the challenge! For among all under Heaven, the one who understands Gongsun Wenqi best is I, Yuan Shao! And the one who understands me, Yuan Shao, best is precisely he, Gongsun Xun! When two titans clash to decide who is male and who is female, how could they bother with the petty schemes of people like you? How could they care about temporary reputation or the hearts of men? Defeat Gongsun Xun, and all things are within my grasp. Fail to defeat him, and you lot can only die together with me here by the banks of the Yellow River!"

Having spoken thus far, Yuan Shao ignored the now-pale faces of everyone in the hall, rose directly, and issued his orders: "My resolve is made. I will immediately lead troops in person to the walls of Ju County in Beihai, absorb Bao Yuncheng's forces, force Liu Gongshan into retirement, and recommend Kong Wenju to the imperial court... Then, after a brief sweep through Qingzhou, I will march north, driving Gongsun Zan all the way back to his old home in Youzhou! After that, I must expel Han Fu before the summer of next year, and before the autumn harvest, lay siege to Handan, so that the balance of power under Heaven may tilt ever so slightly in my favor!"

Xu You was just about to speak again when Yuan Shao once more drew his blade. This time, he drew it fully, and with a single stroke, cleaved the low table before him in two: "Gentlemen, I want all under Heaven to know — what Gongsun Wenqi can do, I can do as well! What Gongsun Wenqi cannot do, I can still do! Among the heroes of this age, Gongsun Xun alone is the one I am unwilling to lose to, and cannot lose to!"

At this, not a single person dared speak further. Instead, they all bowed their heads.

————— I am the dividing line of bowing heads —————

"Your servant has heard that since the time of Emperor Xi, there have been the affairs of sovereign and subject, high and low, with moral transformation spread to guide the people, and punishments to prohibit violence. Now the Acting General of Chariots and Cavalry, Yuan Shao, relying on the legacy of his forebears, has plundered and stolen official rank. His nature is violent and disorderly, his conduct lewd and filthy... In Qingzhou and Yanzhou, he trusted slanderers and villains, killing those with merit. The Grand Administrator Qiao Mao, he executed by private punishment; the Inspector Liu Dai, he dismissed without cause; the State Chancellor Bao Xin died without evidence. This is Yuan Shao's seventh crime." — "Indictment of Yuan Shao's Crimes," by Gongsun Zan

I was wrong. Today I was truly wrong. I actually watched Yongzheng Dynasty all night long, so that in the blink of an eye it was dawn... This chapter is somewhat rushed. I kowtow and admit my error.

(End of Chapter)